The best summits are small lumps of rock or grass perched dramatically over steep slopes with wide ranging and spectacular views in all directions. The ones below are my own favourites, made all the better if you are the only one on it!
I have listed 15 but bear in mind, they are my own favourites! There is no pattern to the list except Yewbarrow is my favourite.
The summit of Yewbarrow is perched overlooking Wasdale with views to the Scafells. Steep slopes on three sides with a narrow grassy ridge linking it to Red Pike and the mountains of Pillar.
Walk Details
A second mountain overlooking one of the deeper lakes of the area from a small neat summit area. In this case the Buttermere valley is laid out before you.
The western ‘Pike’ of the Langdale Pikes is most spectacular. Accessed by a short scramble and excellent views over Crinkle Crags and Bowfell to the Scafells it feels as though you are stood over a gaping void. You are!
When a mountain backs against the sea then the views and experience are a little special. Scotland is best but Black Combe does an excellent impression. It would not be out of place in NW Scotland.
Maybe an obvious choice and certainly one where you are likely to have company. However the summit of Catbells is slim and graceful and particularly good when looking north over Derwentwater, Skiddaw and Blencathra.
The summit of Lingmell is usually missed on the climb of Scafell Pike. Take the 20 minute detour. However it lies in an interesting situation with excellent views down Wasdale.
Rather than pointy and graceful, the summit of Haystacks is complex but full of interest. Lots of little rocky knolls, its own tarn and plenty of hollows to have a quiet packed lunch.
Much of the appeal of Harter Fell is its isolation offering all round views which you cannot get from any other mountain. It is cone shaped with a neat summit between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley.
A rarely visited gem. Dodd is little more than a pimple on the side of Skiddaw but the views are superb in al direction. The small, lofty perch offers a panorama of the Norther Fells..and beyond.
Looking south from the summit of Dodd
The ridge leading to the small summit area of Catstycan is one of the most graceful in the Lake Disitrict. The summit offers good views back to Helvellyn, a reward for those making the extra effort.
Wainwright created controversy when the large summit cairn on Pike O’Blisco was destroyed many years ago. It is still large but on a small rocky plateau. Interesting views across to the Langdale Pikes.
Barely more than a 10 minute return from the main Pillar ridge but Steeple should not be missed. A perfect neat summit (one only on top!) overlooking Ennerdale. The approach from the valley (described below) does it full justice.
Popping out from Halls Fell to the summit of Blencathra is dramatic enough but the completely contrasting scenery to the north and south makes the whole summit ridge remarkable and completely unique.
Another outlier that makes the list. This time Coniston Old Man is the inferior parent to the dramatic summit and ridge of Dow Crag, One step wrong and you will end up in Goat’s Water.
The only draw back is the difficult scramble to the highest point (which even Wainwright failed to achieve). However the small summit area is a jumble of nooks and crannies with views to die for.
Enjoy your walking
Jonathan
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